Thus far, 21 letters have been posted and all but one — from first-year Washington State coach Paul Wulff — contain a legal disclaimer in case another player commits first.

Writes Staples: "Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez, who has had some recent experience with attorneys, must have had a real legal eagle help him with his letter, which contains the slickest — and one of the most accurate — disclaimers of the 21.

" 'This letter remains viable until such time as NCAA Rule 15.5.5 regarding squad limits [85 total] would appear to be compromised. Therefore, as a necessary consequence, grants may only be awarded on availability.' "